One of the hardest parts of the college experience is learning to say goodbye to your best friends. I have made some fantastic friends since coming to Avila , especially this semester. With only four months away from graduation, time is ticking away; and while graduating will be thrilling, I am going to miss all the great memories I have made here.

One such memory is ice-skating with Katie in the freezing cold. I have always prided myself in being able to outperform any girl in anything, whether it is sports, cards, or grades. However it seems that Katie is more than a match for me in practically every area, especially ice-skating. I managed not to fall while skating, even though I made her laugh as I flopped around trying to keep my balance as she glided past me, as graceful as a swan. However, as soon as I hit the icy concrete in the nearby park, I bit it hard! I fell down, landing square on my back, then like out of a movie, got up and fell again. This time I decided to stay down a while and get a little help. Katie, I will never forget you. I will always remember the good times we have shared.

Then who could forget the soccer guys? Turk keeps me sane when things get crazy here. Like during Campus Ministry's Christmas celebration, he is always giving me faces and getting me to smile. Sometimes things get crazy during finals week with everyone study and stressing out over the littlest details. Turk and Chase have taught me how to keep my cool and just kick it, even when things are swirling out of control. Turk and Chase are definitely two friends to which saying goodbye will be hard.

Then there are of course all the people in Campus Ministry. With service being such a big part of my life, the people in Campus Ministry keep my candle burning. For Campus Ministry's advent angels this year, I had Bernadette. I had her totally convinced that someone else was her secret angel. It was hilarious to see her expression when she learned it was me. One just cannot put a price on memories such as these that I have experienced at Avila .

So as I head home for Christmas break, it will be bittersweet knowing that I only have four months of college left. Sure I am excited to graduate, but I guess I get a little nostalgic knowing that I'll be leaving behind good friends soon. So until next semester…Happy Holidays!